Rise In Teenagers Seeking Counselling Over A Level And GCSE Results Stress

Teens are calling Childline as they don't want to disappoint their parents.

An increasing number of teenagers are seeking counselling to help them cope with the stress of GCSE and A-Level results.

The number of young people receiving Childline counselling about exam results rose 20% this year, according to new figures from the NSPCC-run helpline.

Many are worried about disappointing their parents, while others are grappling with a fear of failure and the general pressures linked to academic achievement, according to information released by the charity.

“I can’t sleep most nights because I’m constantly thinking about my results and feel like I’ve wasted my summer because this has been in the back of my mind the whole time. I don’t want to feel like a failure.”

Alamy

Childline conducted 1,127 exam-related counselling sessions in 2015/16, up from 937 the previous year. Figures show the need for support peaks in August when results are announced.

The charity stated that stress about exam results can affect young people’s ability to sleep, trigger anxiety attacks, depression and eating disorders. In some cases it can also lead to self-harm and suicidal feelings, or make pre-existing mental health conditions worse.

A 17-year-old girl who contacted Childline said: “I’m worried about getting my AS results because I think I might have failed. I’ve really struggled with the workload in college this year and it’s been impossible to concentrate on revising.

“I just don’t feel motivated anymore. I don’t have anyone to talk to about this at the moment, but speaking to Childline has helped me and I feel inspired to try to work through things.”

NSPCC chief executive, Peter Wanless believes the figures show pressure to perform well in exams is being felt by young people across the country.

“We hear from lots of young people each year who are really worried about their results and what the future may hold,” he said. “If they want to talk Childline is always here to listen.”

It’s important to remember there is life beyond exam results. Disappointing grades are not the end of the world, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time.
Peter Wanless

As well as calling Childline’s free confidential helpline on 0800 1111 or visiting childline.org.uk, young people can also email trained counsellors or receive support online via one-to-one chat.